About
EcoHour is back! Kick off 2019 with a discussion on fundraising for conservation with Ame Hellman, Vice President, Strategic Philanthropy at Neimand Collaborative. We'll discuss the important role private philanthropy plays in conservation efforts, best practices for working with donors, and how to build support for your cause. Come learn what it takes to run a successful national fundraising campaign, and gain insights into navigating the nonprofit world.
A lawyer by training, Ame is a passionate and lifelong conservationist with over 20 years of experience in leadership roles with national conservation organizations. Over the span of her career, she has worked with cross-functional teams on organizational strategic plans, fundraising planning and building effective major and principal gift programs.
She began her career as a land conservation attorney but pivoted to fundraising and leadership as the State Director at The Nature Conservancy. Ame grew the Nevada program from 7 to 28 staff, transformed the board into a “fundraising board” and tripled the chapter's revenue. She also worked with coalition partners to pass the 2002 Question 1 ballot initiative, a $200M land and water protection act that was the largest conservation bond measure in Nevada's history.
Over the past 14 years, Ame has dedicated her career to conservation philanthropy at national organizations based in Washington, D.C. She raised $20M at WWF in a rapid two-year strategy launch campaign to support the organization's strategic vision. As the Vice President of Philanthropy at The Wilderness Society, she tripled the number of major and principal gift donors and revenue, including the launch of a successful Leadership Initiative campaign that raised $40M. Most recently she served as Chief Philanthropy Officer for the National Park Foundation, helping the foundation meet its goal of $500M for the Centennial Campaign for America's National Parks and build out its first regional major gifts team.
Over her career, Ame has served on several boards and advisory councils including the Nevada Open Space Committee, Nevada Commission for Women, and the Sierra Front Great Basin Resource Advisory Council. She is also an accomplished dressage rider, having earned Gold, Silver and Bronze medals from the United States Dressage Federation.
Ame began her career in law and was admitted to the State Bar of both Nevada and Colorado. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Colorado, Boulder and her J.D. from the University of Denver.
We hope to see you there!
*Teaism - Penn Quarter Accessibility Details: There is nearby ADA designated parking and the route from ADA parking to entrance is flat and paved. The door to the main entrance is not automated. Reserved seating near front for participants who are Deaf or hard of hearing is available, and the furniture is moveable for participants with mobility disabilities. Restrooms with accessible stalls are available and clear signage indicates location of accessible restrooms and elevators. As attendees to this event may experience multiple chemical sensitivities, please refrain from wearing all perfumes and use fragrance-free, unscented personal care products for the duration of the event.